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Molecular design strategies for biomaterials that heal
Author(s) -
Ratner Buddy D.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.19981300128
Subject(s) - materials science , nanotechnology , polymer science , biochemical engineering , engineering
Biomaterials are widely used in medical devices with good success. However, the surface chemistries of our present generation of biomaterials are not specifically recognized by living organisms. Thus, biological reactions to biomaterials in use today are primarily influenced by non‐specific interactions occurring at their surfaces. This paper develops a hypothesis for the development of a future generation of biomaterials. A discussion of the meaning of biocompatibility is followed by a strategy for developing biomaterials that actively induce healing and reconstruction by turning on specific biologic pathways. Materials strategies for encouraging specific reactions and inhibiting non‐specific bioreaction are presented.